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A Very Musical Story for Summer!

“Bear Flies High” by Michael Rosen

There are two reasons I love “Bear Flies High”: firstof all, it’s a gorgeous vision of summertime, withbeach, ocean, seagulls, carnival rides, sunshine.and fun with friends. Secondly, as a music teacher,I love the lilting, rhythmic writing (which was also afeature of Rosen’s earlier book, “Bear’s Day Out”).The singsongy rhythm of the story, I’m convinced,is one reason it consistently holds the attention ofyoung children, from two-year-olds through kindergar-teners.

I like to make up a tune for the mini-poems that appear on each two-page spread, such as “Doo-bee-doo, doo-bee-doo, doo-bee-doobily-doo.”But it would work just as well as a chant. Whetheryou choose to chant or sing, though, be sure to invite your students to join in. They enjoy it and itkeeps them involved in the story.

The illustrations are also charming – artistic andcolorful, but not too fussy or complicated -so childrenwon’t need to ask what’s going on.

After you read “Bear Flies High,” you’ll find thatyour students are eager to talk about their ownadventures at the beach or at carnivals. So notonly is the story a terrific, fun experience of language and rhythm in itself, it also leads tofun conversations!

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About Me

I'm an early-childhood music and science teacher and my new book, "Exploring the Science of Sounds:100 Musical Activities for Young Children" will give you lots of ideas for bringing science to your classroom in a fun and musical way! My books include "101 Rhythm Instrument Activities For Young Children" (Gryphon House, 2004), "Shake, Rattle and Roll: Rhythm Instruments and More for Active Learning" (Gryphon House, 2015) and other books on children, music, and creativity. Through my books, and presentations around the country, I've shared hundreds of my original, classroom-tested, and ginormously fun activities with early childhood professionals. I love music, dancing, learning, reading, writing, coffee, cats, and teaching young children!